Bipole III Transmission Project Summary of Concerns and/or Questions and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation

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1 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation Access Concerns regarding increased access including concerns that snowmobile groups would groom and use the Bipole III corridor, which might affect local trappers and that the Project will increase accessibility by outsiders to trap lines held by community members. Access management plans are currently being developed by Manitoba Hydro for the Project. Natural terrain conditions, remoteness and private property restrictions are expected to limit traffic on the Bipole III Transmission Project ROW at all times of the year but, in particular, during the nonfrozen ground period. Opportunities will increase during the frozen ground period and although anticipated traffic levels are expected to be low, the following strategies have been identified and are currently being developed for inclusion in the Access Management Plan to minimize potential access opportunities to the ROW and to address issues of safety and system reliability: Education and communication (e.g., public, stakeholders, between maintenance crews and resource users, etc.); Vegetation management plan (strategies to promote desirable species on the ROW that create beneficial habitat and limit line of sight); Timing windows and logistic for operations and maintenance activities particularly in environmentally sensitive sites; The continued maintenance and management of identified environmentally sensitive sites; 1

2 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation Maintenance of riparian buffers and wildlife corridors established during the construction phase; Case by case assessment and evaluation, in conjunction with Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, of applications for ROW use for industrial and recreational purposes; In specific environmentally sensitive sites limit activities as much as possible to air access (e.g., caribou ranges); Access will be restricted to all site components (e.g., Keewatinoow Converter Station, camps, etc.) Signage (e.g., safety, respect, responsible use, use at own risk); Decommissioning of access by way of slash spreading, trenching, cross ditching or berming; Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is responsible for managing wildlife resources within the province. Where required, the Minister can impose wildlife harvest limitations and travel restrictions. Alternative energy Question regarding why Manitoba Hydro could not use wind power instead of building Bipole III. Manitoba Hydro has been assessing the feasibility of wind power since the early 1990s. There is no reasonable assurance that it will be windy during high load periods, which would severely limit 2

3 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation any potential contribution that could be attributed to wind generation. In addition, wind turbines have operating restrictions during extremely cold weather, the very period in which the Manitoba load reaches its annual winter peak. ATK ATK Inquired on how Manitoba Hydro intends to obtain traditional knowledge from the communities. Concerns regarding sharing the sensitive information presented in TK report; requested reviewing relevant portions of the EIS prior to submission Methods included interviews, selfdirected studies and workshops. Manitoba Hydro recognizes the sensitivity of the traditional knowledge (TK) that was shared and only presented TK information where there was permission to do so in the EIS materials. The Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Technical Report 2 was drafted by Manitoba Hydro staff with the intent of providing a brief summary of the information shared through the seven self-directed Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) studies. Each ATK study was summarized by Manitoba Hydro and in October 2011, the MMF and each First Nation were provided the summary relating to their report for review. They were asked to review the summary to ensure that they were comfortable with the way in which their information was presented. Where changes were requested, Manitoba Hydro worked with the MMF or First Nation representatives to develop new wording. 3

4 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation ATK regarding whether the ATK process would involve resource users For the Bipole III Project ATK Study, CD copies of interviews were returned to the interviewee along with transcription and copy of memory map for verification. Knowledge shared at the ATK workshops was sent to the community for verification and for their records. Communities chose who to involve in the ATK process, however resource users were typically involved as well as Elders, women and youth. Benefits Recommendation to negotiate an Impact Benefit Agreement In accordance with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Manitoba Hydro has planned mitigation measures to counter-act potential impacts. Manitoba Hydro intends to meet with communities who have identified concerns with the Bipole III Transmission Project to share the Environmental Protection Plan and the mitigation and monitoring measures planned therein, which will address community concerns. This will provide opportunity for communities to have input on the mitigation measures that may be relevant to their concerns. Concerns communities may have that cannot be addressed through the Environmental Protection Plan will be discussed with the specific community in question on a case-bycase basis. 4

5 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation Benefits regarding the long-term benefits available to Aboriginal communities. Would like to see revenue sharing Manitoba Hydro is committed to creating benefits and opportunities where possible for Aboriginal communities in the vicinity of our projects. Sharing ownership of transmission lines and converter stations would require amendments to The Manitoba Hydro Act and Manitoba Hydro is not prepared to support such amendments. Shared ownership of assets that do not, in and of themselves, generate revenue would not be desirable, nor would the complexities of managing and operating those complex assets be made less complicated if ownership was shared. The Community Development Initiative (CDI) is intended is to fund worthwhile projects that will benefit a wide spectrum of persons who live within a modest distance of Bipole III facilities and the mechanism proposed to do that is to provide the funding to the rural municipality, Northern Affairs Community, incorporated village or town, or First Nation in which they live. 5

6 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation Benefits Question regarding the benefits of the project for customers. One of the key benefits is reliability. Studies have concluded that a new transmission line and associated facilities would improve system reliability and reduce dependency on Dorsey Station and the existing HVDC Interlake corridor. The Bipole III Transmission Project would also establish a second converter station in southern Manitoba, to provide another major point of power injection into the transmission and distribution system. In addition, Bipole III will reduce line losses on the existing Bipoles I & II and provide additional transmission line capacity from north to south. Berries Concerns regarding the potential impacts on the blueberry patch and other important plants used for medicines. Manitoba Hydro will consider nonchemical vegetation management in clearly identified sensitive sites that contain plants that are of importance to Aboriginal harvesters. Birds Concern with the impact of transmission lines on birds - will the birds collide with the transmission lines? Those areas not avoided through the routing process and still determined to be areas of potential high use by migrating birds were identified as areas where bird diverters should be placed on transmission lines. Through both the routing process and the placement of bird diverters at sensitive sites, it is thought that bird-wire strikes can be minimized to the extent practicable. Monitoring during operation will be used to evaluate the effects predictions. 6

7 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation Burial site regarding the process to be undertaken if bones were unearthed during the construction phase. Manitoba s Heritage Resources Act (1986) and Policy Concerning the Reporting, Exhumation and Reburial of Found Human Remains (1987) provide the legislation and policy for ensuring that all found human remains are respectfully handled. Should human remains of any kind be found during construction the provincial legislation and policy will be implemented. A Heritage Resources Protection Plan (HRPP) is to be developed that will inform and instruct construction staff and managers regarding the process as briefly outlined below. The finding will be reported to the Construction Supervisor/Site Manager who will contact the Project Archaeologist. The Project archaeologist will report immediately to the Historic Resources Branch (HRB) who will, in turn, contact the RCMP and Medical Officer. As per the Government of Manitoba s Policy Concerning The Reporting, Exhumation, And Reburial Of Found Human Remains, where human remains can be traced to a particular cultural group, procedures with regard to exhumation, identification and reburial, will be reviewed with that community. All construction at the location of the found human remains will be stopped and the area cordoned off. A site visit will take place immediately along with the RCMP and Medical Officer to confirm the presence of human remains and determine the forensic/non-forensic 7 nature of the human remains. The Project Archaeologist will work closely with the HRB once the status

8 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation Caribou Caribou CDI CDI Compensation Discussion regarding caribou migration within the Split Lake and Fox Lake RMAs. The area contains migration and mating areas for caribou. Concerns regarding the potential impacts to the Naosap Caribou herd. regarding the CDI eligibility criteria. It was also suggested Manitoba Hydro consider how INAC calculates funding for communities. (round 4) Interest in the CDI; felt that the CDI should be in place for the life of the Project. (round 4) A community member enquired if the community will be offered any manner of compensation or programs. Continuation of a project partnership with Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, York Factory and MCWS for an existing ongoing caribou project to monitor Caribou movements and behaviours through existing collaring programs Continuation of a project partnership with the Northwest Caribou committee to monitor caribou through collaring programs to determine movement and behaviour of Naosap herd. For First Nations who are eligible for the CDI, Manitoba Hydro will use the membership information provided by AANDC. The CDI is not intended to be an Aboriginal specific program, nor is it intended to address rights based concerns or impacts. As such, the funding calculations used by AANDC were not considered in the development of the CDI program. Comments related to the duration of the CDI have been shared internally for consideration. Impacts identified to Manitoba Hydro that are not addressed through the SSEA, Environmental Protection Plan, or the Trapper Compensation Policy will be considered and addressed by Manitoba Hydro on a case-by-case basis. Manitoba Hydro is developing the Community Development Initiative to 8

9 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation fund worthwhile projects that will benefit a wide spectrum of persons who live within a modest distance of Bipole III facilities. Compensation An outfitter wanted to know if Manitoba Hydro compensated commercial outfitters the same way hydro compensates trappers for disturbances. Manitoba Hydro does not have a compensation policy for commercial outfitters that is similar to the trappers policy. Impacts identified to Manitoba Hydro that are not addressed through the SSEA, Environmental Protection Plan, or the Trapper Compensation Policy will be considered and addressed by Manitoba Hydro on a case-by-case basis. Consultation regarding the Section 35 consultation process. Would the open house would be considered consultation? Manitoba Hydro open houses or community meetings would not be considered Crown consultation. Where this concern was raised, Manitoba Hydro s response was that it was Manitoba Hydro s understanding that the Province of Manitoba would be undertaking the Crown consultation process for the Project. Cost East vs. west EIS regarding the overall cost of the Project. about the east side vs. west side route. Question regarding how Project information gathered for the EIS is shared with the communities The estimated overall cost is $3.28B. An eastern routing option is not within Manitoba Hydro s scope of alternatives for the Bipole III Transmission Project. Information was shared through community and regional open houses as well as newsletters. A contact at Manitoba Hydro was provided and it was indicated that 9

10 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation the contact was available to discuss issues at any time. EMFs Are there health issues from electric magnetic fields (EMF)? Based on reviews by national and international scientific agencies there are no known adverse health effects associated with EMF from ac or dc transmission lines. Employment, business and training opportunities regarding training, employment, and contract opportunities on the Bipole III Project. Manitoba Hydro continues to monitor studies on this subject and makes information available to the public. There are limited training, employment and business opportunities available in relation to transmission line development; however, it is anticipated that opportunities that do exist will be made available to members of local communities. Environment Concerns regarding the impacts of the Project to the local environment. Manitoba Hydro will have an Environmental Protection Program that includes Environmental Protection Plans, Access Management Plans, Heritage Resources Plan as well as Biophysical Monitoring and Socio-Economic Monitoring plans and inspection. 10

11 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation Flooding Impacts regarding the diversion of rivers and whether this Project would cause flooding; whether it would open up beaver dams. regarding the foot print of the Project once it is constructed. Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship and Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be notified if beaver dams must be cleared along rights-of-ways and along access roads and trails. Clearing of dams will be carried out in accordance of the DFO Operational Statement on Beaver Dam Removal. For agricultural land, self supporting towers will be used that have a footprint of 7x7m or 15x15m depending on the location and need. There will also be 1-2 towers per quarter section, it is estimated that there will be 3.2 towers per mile. Land Landowner compensation Moose Question regarding whether Bipole III would be built on reserve land regarding how Manitoba Hydro acquires private land for transmission lines. Comments regarding the low moose populations in the area and concerns regarding access Bipole III will not traverse any reserve land Manitoba Hydro will negotiate with individual landowners to acquire a 66m easement for the ROW to operate and maintain the transmission line. Landowner Compensation is outlined in the "Bipole III Landowner Compensation Information Brochure". Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship (MCWS) is the resource manager for wildlife and is responsible for developing harvest management strategies for moose, deer and elk. Manitoba Hydro is currently discussing mitigation and monitoring strategies with MCWS and will participate in any future stakeholder meetings as and when requested. As such, MCWS is well 11

12 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation aware of the Bipole III Transmission Project and continues to provide input on mitigation, monitoring and routing strategies with MCWS. Purpose regarding the purpose of Bipole III. Bipole III is a proposed new high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project required to improve overall system reliability and dependability. The Project includes the HVDC transmission line, energy conversion facilities, and system connections. Rates Concerns regarding an increase in electricity rates as a result of the Project. Actual future rate increases will be dependent on the conditions of the day and will likely not be attributable to a single factor. Rates Question regarding whether hydro rates vary from place to place as this has been a rumour they have been hearing. In section 39(2.1), The Manitoba Hydro Act states that [t]he rates charged for power supplied to a class of grid customers within the province shall be the same throughout the province. Safety Concerns regarding increased traffic on the highway and safety. Potential transportation activity effects of the Project are expected to be short term and reversible in nature (see, Chapter 8 page and page of the EIS). Roads likely to notice an increase in traffic will be those used to transport materials for all major construction components of the Project. This would include roads between the Riel site, the northern transmission 12

13 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation line segments and Keewatinoow (PTH 6, PTH 10, PR 391, PR 280 and PR 290). As part of the mitigation measures within the Access Management Plans, Manitoba Hydro will be undertaking traffic monitoring. Any issues or concerns that are raised during the construction phase will be addressed in a case-by-case basis by the Project managers for the various Projects and adaptive management measures will be implemented. Sensitive site Indicated that many sensitive sites have never been identified Manitoba Hydro is offering to meet with communities to review the Draft Environmental Protection Plan for the Bipole III Transmission Project. The intent of these meetings is to review with communities the mitigation and monitoring plans Manitoba Hydro intends to put into place, and to discuss with communities the specific mitigation and monitoring activities that relate to the concerns raised by communities. The meeting will also provide communities with the opportunity to identify any additional sensitive sites. Spawning Concerns regarding the impacts to spawning areas Timing works to avoid sensitive life history periods or life stages and is an effective means of mitigating adverse effects. All in-stream activities should be conducted during a timing window of at least risk to fish and fish habitat. 13

14 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation TLE Towers regarding whether TLE was taken into consideration for routing. regarding the length of the transmission line and what type of towers will be used on the Bipole III transmission line. Existing TLE claims were avoided during the routing process There are two basic tangent structure types that will be used for the straight line sections of the Bipole III HVdc transmission line. The length of the Final Preferred Route is 1,384km. Trapping regarding the trapper compensation policy and concerns about impacts to trappers overall. Manitoba Hydro has a Trappers Notification and Compensation Policy that compensates trappers for disturbances while clearing and constructing transmission lines greater than 115kV in capacity. In the case of the Bipole III Transmission Project, the implementation of the Policy is underway and will include discussions with individual registered trappers, users of Open Trapping Zones, and Manitoba Local Fur Councils. Trees Question regarding whether trees would enter the lake during construction. As per the draft EPP, trees will be felled away from waterbodies. Trees and debris that fall into water bodies will be removed immediately. Underground/water Why can't the Bipole line be buried under ground or located under Lake Winnipeg? It was noted that additional cost and research would be necessary to undertake either of those options and that timelines did not permit 14

15 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation such an option at this time. Vegetation management regarding how/who controls vegetation on transmission lines and if agent orange or chemicals are used. Manitoba Hydro will follow the guidelines and conditions set out in the environmental licence for Bipole III related to vegetation management under the transmission line. All chemical applications will be conducted by a certified applicator Vegetation management Vegetation management Concern regarding the use of chemicals for vegetation management. The community does not want chemicals used for vegetation management on the transmission line for fears that it will affect their medicinal plants. Concern regarding the use of chemicals along the transmission line; feels that it should not be used as it may negatively impact the waterways. Manitoba Hydro will consider nonchemical vegetation management in clearly identified sensitive sites that contain plants that are of importance to Aboriginal harvesters. Manitoba Hydro will consider nonchemical vegetation management in clearly identified sensitive sites that contain plants that are of importance to Aboriginal harvesters. Clearing near stream crossings will be accomplished by hand or other low impact methods. Water Concerns regarding the adverse effects on the waterways The final preferred route was selected to minimize stream crossings. Surface and groundwater quality will not be degraded. Mitigation measures will include: 15

16 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation Wildlife Will the Project impact wildlife migration? buffers and setbacks, erosion and sedimentation control measures and stream crossing measures. Migratory patterns of species were considered in the EIS, and the Project is not expected to have a significant effect on migration. To minimize potential for effects on migration, for example for bird species, the preferred route avoided where possible migrating bird staging areas. Wildlife Concern that emissions and pollution may drive away species, potential to contaminate food sources Emissions associated with construction are expected to be temporary in nature, and are not predicted to impact species or contaminate food sources. Wildlife Concern that equipment & waste storage at various locations for site construction will widen area of disturbances, increased predation All disturbed sites that are not required for the operations and maintenance phase of the Project (e.g. borrow pits, access trails, marshalling yards) will be rehabilitated. Wildlife Discussion regarding the affect the line may have on wildlife. Some community members feel that the line is unlikely to have big affect on wildlife. Concern regarding the displacement of animals during 5 year construction phase. Some of the mitigation measures recommended for construction effects and clearing on mammals and habitat (ex. caribou) include: Carry out construction activities on frozen or dry ground to minimize surface damage, rutting and erosion; Adhere to timing windows for protection of Woodland Caribou calving sites; Maintain shrub and herbaceous vegetation to the extent possible; Decommission and 16

17 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation rehabilitate access routes immediately following construction in accordance with Access Management Plan. Wood They would like the wood that is cleared for the right-of-way to be set aside for community use. Any timber that will be available will be done on a case-by-case basis taking into account that the forestry company holding the FML has the right of first refusal on that timber. If the timber company relinquishes their rights to the wood, the timber may be available for the contractor or local communities. Timber that is not used by the contractor or local communities, will be disposed of onsite by cut, pile and burn methods. Worker interaction Discussion regarding the influx of workers into the territory increasing hunting, fishing by outsiders which may lead to a decrease in species populations and a decrease in the ability of community members to hunt, fish. Concerns were also expressed regarding the influx of workers that would come to their area as a result of the Project. There were concerns that workers would increase pressure on local resources and cause social problems Where the influx of workers has been identified by a community as a concern, Manitoba Hydro will develop and implement the local access management plans with input from the potentially impacted community. To minimize the potential for adverse worker interaction with local community members Manitoba Hydro intends to hire local community members to the extent possible, maintain active communication with local 17

18 and Associated Responses and/or Mitigation communities about the nature and timing of construction activities, and in areas where construction workforces are present for longer durations (i.e. Gillam area) ongoing coordination between Manitoba Hydro, contractors, monitoring advisory committees, the RCMP and social support services 18